Surveying sterilizer methods and systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/396,256 entitled STERILIZATION METHODS ANDSYSTEMS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, MarkA. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors,filed 31 Mar. 2006, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as setforth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not tobe construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sterilization methods and systems thatmay be used within numerous contexts, such as health-care andmanufacturing facilities.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includessurveying one or more areas and transmitting one or more signals to oneor more sterilization units in response to the surveying one or moreareas. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentapplication.

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includesreceiving one or more signals associated with one or more survey unitsand applying one or more sterilization agents to one or more areas inresponse to the receiving one or more signals associated with one ormore survey units. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspectsare described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of thepresent application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includescircuitry for surveying one or more areas and circuitry for transmittingone or more signals to one or more sterilization units responsive to thecircuitry for surveying one or more areas. In addition to the foregoing,other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or textforming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includescircuitry for receiving one or more signals associated with one or moresurvey units and circuitry for applying one or more sterilization agentsto one or more areas in response to the circuitry for receiving one ormore signals associated with one or more survey units. In addition tothe foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims,drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includesmeans for surveying one or more areas and means for transmitting one ormore signals to one or more sterilization units responsive to the meansfor surveying one or more areas. In addition to the foregoing, othersystem aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or textforming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includesmeans for receiving one or more signals from one or more survey unitsand means for applying one or more sterilization agents to one or moreareas in response to the means for receiving one or more signals fromone or more survey units. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present application.

In some embodiments, related systems include but are not limited tocircuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein-referenced methodaspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effectthe herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choicesof the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present application.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings, claims, and thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization methods.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization methods.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 12.

FIG. 23 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization systems.

FIG. 24 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to providea sterilization method that may be used to sterilize one or more areas102, sterilize one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102,sterilize one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system100 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can be used tosterilize one or more areas 102, sterilize one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102, sterilize one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102, avoid sterilizing one or more areas 102, avoidsterilizing one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102, avoidsterilizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system100 is operable to sterilize one or more areas 102 without exposing oneor more humans present within the one or more areas 102 to asterilization agent 108. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operableto sterilize one or more areas 102, one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102, and/or one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 without substantially exposing one or more humans presentwithin the one or more areas 102 to a sterilization agent 108.

Survey Units

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes one or more survey units110. In some embodiments, the one or more survey units 110 can be usedto survey one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the presence or absence of one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the presence and position of one or more objects104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can detect the presence of one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the presence or absence and position of one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can detect the presence of one or more surfaces106 and one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect the presence orabsence and position of one or more surfaces 106 and one or more objects104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that areassociated with one or more survey units 110.

In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 utilize one or moretransmitting units 116 to transmit one or more signals 112 to one ormore sterilization units 114. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 communicate with one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more survey units communicate with one or morerecording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110may provide for interaction with a user 122 through user interaction 124with the one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can detect one or more forms of radiation. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect infrared radiation.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect gammaradiation. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectradiation that is in the form of light. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can detect radiation that is in the form of ultravioletlight. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectradiation, such as ultraviolet light, that has been reflected from oneor more surfaces 106.

In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine anamount of radiation, such as ultraviolet light, to which one or morehumans have been exposed within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine an amount ofradiation, such as ultraviolet light, to which one or more humans havebeen exposed through reflection of the radiation onto the one or morehumans in one or more areas 102. Examples of such humans include, butare not limited to, hospital patients, dental patients, nurses,physicians, pharmaceutical workers, food workers, transportationworkers, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can determine an amount of light that is incident on one or moresurfaces 106 that occur on one or more humans. Examples of such surfacesinclude, but are not limited to, open wounds, eyes, skin, and the like.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect one or moretimes when one or more areas 102 have been sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect how often one ormore areas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the intensity with which one or more areas 102 aresterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectwhether or not one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102have been sterilized.

In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that have been applied within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetect one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that have beenapplied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that have been applied to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can detect one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that have been applied to one or more objects 104 and/or oneor more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.

In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can map one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can map oneor more areas with one or more three dimensional laser scanners. Suchthree dimensional laser scanners are known and are commerciallyavailable (i.e., Callidus 3D laser scanner and GX scanner from TrimbleNavigation Limited, Sunnyvale, Calif.; LMS-Z360i from Riegl USA Inc.,Orlando, Fla.). In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canmodel one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can convert information received through mapping of one ormore areas 102 and produce one or more models of the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, the one or more models are three dimensionalmodels.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 from one or more survey units 110 that instruct the oneor more sterilization units 114 where to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 within one or more areas based on one or more maps of the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 from one or more survey units 110that instruct the one or more sterilization units 114 where to apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 within one or more areas 102 based onone or more models of the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 fromone or more survey units 110 that instruct the one or more sterilizationunits 114 where to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 within oneor more areas based on one or more maps and/or one or more models of theone or more areas 102.

The one or more survey units 110 may utilize numerous technologies. Forexample, a survey unit 110 can use technologies that include, but arenot limited to, infrared radiation, such as long-wave infraredradiation; retinal reflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such ascard readers, badge readers, bar code readers, and the like; motiondetection; radar detection; sonar detection; gas chromatography;computer modeling; laser scanner; range finders, such as laser andinfrared range finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.Such technologies are known and are commercially available (i.e., RieglUSA Inc., Orlando, Fla.; Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, Calif.).

In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationarycan be used within system 100. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 that are mobile can be used within system 100. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationary and one ormore survey units 110 that are mobile can be used within system 100. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationary arepositioned within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 that are stationary can be positioned within oneor more areas 102 so that the one or more survey units 110 can surveysubstantially all surfaces 106 and/or substantially all objects 104within the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, survey units 110that are mobile can move about one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are mobile can move aboutone or more areas and survey substantially all surfaces 106 and/orsubstantially all objects 104 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can move about one or moreareas 102 according to a programmed set of instructions. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can be programmed to move at apredetermined speed for a predetermined amount of time in apredetermined direction. In some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can move about one or more areas 102 in a random manner. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can travel inone direction until they approach an object 104 or wall at which timethe one or more survey units 110 can change direction and travel in asecond direction until the one or more survey units 110 approach anotherobject 104 or wall at which time the process will repeat. Accordingly,one or more survey units 110 can move about one or more areas 102 in amanner that avoids collision with objects 104 and/or walls. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can travel in one directionuntil they contact an object 104 or wall at which time the one or moresurvey units 110 can change direction and travel in a second directionuntil the one or more survey units 110 contact another object 104 orwall at which time the process will repeat. Accordingly, one or moresurvey units 110 can move about one or more areas 102 in a manner thatinvolves contact with objects 104 and/or walls. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can move about one or more areas 102 on one ormore guides, or combination of one or more guides, such as rails,tracks, guide wires or the like. For example, in some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can be movably coupled to one or more guidesthat are operably coupled to one or more ceilings within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can bemovably coupled to one or more guides that are operably coupled to oneor more walls within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can be movably coupled to one or more guides thatare operably coupled to one or more floors within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can be movably coupledto one or more guides that are operably coupled to one or more walls,one or more ceilings, one or more floors, and/or substantially anycombination of walls, ceilings, and floors within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can respond to one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can send one or more signals112 instructing one or more sterilization units 110 to move to one ormore areas 102 and apply one or more sterilization agents 108 within theone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can move to and/or within one or more areas 102 in response to one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sensor units 118. Methodsto fabricate robots and robotic control systems that may be used toconstruct survey units 110 are known and have been described (i.e., Xie,Fundamentals of Robotics: Linking Perception to Action, World ScientificPublishing Co. Pte. Ltd., River Edge, N.J., 2003; Nehmzow, MobileRobotics: A Practical Introduction, 2^(nd) Edition, Springer-Verlag,London, UK, 2003; Siegwart and Nourbakhsh, Introduction to AutonomousMobile Robots, The MIT Press, Cumberland, R.I., 2004).

Areas

The system 100 includes one or more areas 102. The system 100 may beused within numerous areas 102. Examples of such areas include, but arenot limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, automobiles, subways, ships,spacecraft and buses; restrooms; pharmaceutical manufacturingfacilities; food preparation facilities; food packaging facilities;medical device manufacturing facilities; hotels; and the like. In someembodiments, one or more areas 102 can include portions of one or moreareas 102.

OBJECTS

The system 100 may include the presence or absence of one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. Numerous types of objects 104may be present or absent within one or more areas 102. Examples of suchobjects 104 include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals,plants, medical instruments, cooking utensils, stoves, ovens, foodstorage devices, pharmaceutical formulation devices, food packagingdevices, food preparation devices, eating utensils, sinks, tables,machinery, waste areas, seats, surgical tables, hospital examinationtables, dental instruments, dental chairs, and the like.

Surfaces

The system 100 may include one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces 106 may bepositioned within one or more areas 102 on building materials used toconstruct the one or more areas 102. For example, one or more surfaces106 may occur on a floor, wall and/or ceiling that are part of one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces 106 arepositioned on one or more objects 104 included within one or more areas102. For example, one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102may be positioned on one or more humans, non-human animals, plants,medical instruments, cooking utensils, stoves, ovens, food storagedevices, pharmaceutical formulation devices, food packaging devices,food preparation devices, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery,waste areas, seats, surgical tables, hospital examination tables, dentalinstruments, dental chairs, and the like. One or more surfaces 106 canbe made of numerous types of material. Examples of types of materialsthat can form such surfaces 106 include, but are not limited to,ceramics, porcelain, plastic, nylon, paint, concrete, paneling, fabric,rubber, metal, wood, rock, paper, and the like. One or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 can have numerous types of shapes. Forexample, one or more surfaces 106 can include pores, pits, scratches,cracks, depressions, bumps, troughs, mesh, holes, and the like. In someembodiments, a sterilization agent 108 may be selected based on theshape and type of material from which a surface 106 is made. Forexample, in some embodiments, a sterilization agent 108 that canpenetrate into pores included within a surface may be used to sterilizea surface 106 having pores. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization agents 108 may be selected to sterilize one or moresurfaces 106 that do not damage the one or more surfaces 106.

Sterilization Agents

The system 100 may include one or more sterilization agents 108.Numerous types of sterilization agents 108 may be used within system100. Examples of such sterilization agents 108 include, but are notlimited to, ultraviolet light, gamma radiation, sonic radiation,chemicals, infrared radiation, steam, gases, and the like. Numeroustypes of sterilization agents 108 are known and are commerciallyavailable. In some embodiments, the identity of one or moresterilization agents 108 can be specified according to the identityand/or characteristics of a surface 106 or object 104 to be sterilized.For example, in some embodiments, a sterilization agent 108 that is agas may be applied to a surface 106 or object 104 that is porous andunable to be sterilized with ultraviolet light. In other embodiments,ultraviolet light may be used as a sterilization agent 108 to sterilizea surface 106 or object 104 that is smooth. Accordingly, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108in accordance with the characteristics of a surface 106 or object 104 tobe sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108can be selected based on the type of contaminant that is to be killed,inactivated and/or detoxified through use of one or more sterilizationagents 108. Examples of such contaminants can include, but are notlimited to, bacteria, fungus, viruses, spores, microbes, eggs, and thelike. The quantity and amount of time that one or more sterilizationagents 108 are to be applied to one or more areas 102 or one or moresurfaces 106 to kill, inactivate, and/or detoxify one or morecontaminants can be readily determined though use of standard protocols.Example irradiation parameters for ultraviolet light are provided inTable I for numerous types of contamination.

TABLE I Sample Parameters for Sterilization with Ultraviolet PurifiersEnergy in mW- sec/cm² Sterilization up to Energy in mW-sec/cm² Bacteria90% Sterilization up to 99% Bacillus anthracis 4.52 9.04 S. enteritidis4.00 8.00 B. megatherium 1.30 2.60 sp.(vegetative) B. megatherium 2.735.46 sp.(spores) B. paratyphosus 3.20 6.40 B. subtilis 7.10 14.20 B.subtilis spores 12.00 24.00 Corynebacterium 3.37 6.74 diphtheriaeEberthella typhosa 2.14 4.28 Escherichia coli 3.00 6.00 Micrococcuscandidas 6.05 12.10 Micrococcus 10.00 20.00 sphaeroides Neisseriacatarrhalis 4.40 8.80 Phytomonas 4.40 8.80 tumefaciens. Proteus vulgaris2.64 5.28 Pseudomonas 5.50 11.00 aeruginosa Pseudomonas 3.50 7.00fluorescens S. typhimurium 8.00 16.00 Sarcina Lutea 19.70 39.40 Seratiamarcescens 2.42 4.84 Dysentery bacilli 2.20 4.40 Shigella 1.68 3.36paradysenteriae Spirillum rubrum 4.40 8.80 Staphylococcus albus 1.843.68 Staphylococcus 2.60 5.20 aureus Streptococcus 2.16 4.32 hemolyticusStreptococcus lactis 6.15 12.30 Streptococcus 2.00 4.00 viridans

Signals

The system 100 includes one or more signals 112. In some embodiments,one or more signals 112 are transmitted to one or more sterilizationunits 114. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous types ofinformation. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions indicating one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units114 are to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 114 are not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

Sterilization Units

The system 100 can include one or more sterilization units 114. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 that are stationary canbe used within system 100. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 that are mobile can be used within system 100.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 that arestationary and one or more sterilization units 114 that are mobile canbe used within system 100. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 that are stationary are positioned within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114that are stationary can be positioned within one or more areas 102 sothat the one or more sterilization units 114 can apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to substantially all surfaces 106 and/orsubstantially all objects 104 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, sterilization units 114 that are mobile can move about oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 that are mobile can move about one or more areas and apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to substantially all surfaces 106 and/orsubstantially all objects 104 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can move about one ormore areas 102 according to a programmed set of instructions. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can be programmed tomove at a predetermined speed for a predetermined amount of time in apredetermined direction. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can move about one or more areas 102 in a random manner. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 cantravel in one direction until they approach an object 104 or wall atwhich time the one or more sterilization units 114 can change directionand travel in a second direction until the one or more sterilizationunits 114 approach another object 104 or wall at which time the processwill repeat. Accordingly, one or more sterilization units 114 can moveabout one or more areas 102 in a manner that avoids collision withobjects 104 and/or walls. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can travel in one direction until they contact an object 104or wall at which time the one or more sterilization units 114 can changedirection and travel in a second direction until the one or moresterilization units 114 contact another object 104 or wall at which timethe process will repeat. Accordingly, one or more sterilization units114 can move about one or more areas 102 in a manner that involvescontact with one or more objects 104 and/or one or more walls. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can move about one ormore areas 102 on one or more guides, or combination of one or moreguides, such as rails, tracks, guide wires or the like. For example, insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can be movablycoupled to one or more guides that are operably coupled to one or moreceilings within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can be movably coupled to one or more guidesthat are operably coupled to one or more walls within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can bemovably coupled to one or more guides that are operably coupled to oneor more floors within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can be movably coupled to one or moreguides that are operably coupled to one or more walls, one or moreceilings, one or more floors, and/or substantially any combination ofwalls, ceilings, and floors within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can respond to one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110 thatinstruct the one or more sterilization units 114 where to move withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can send one or more signals 112 instructing one or more sterilizationunits 114 to move to one or more areas 102 and apply one or moresterilization agents 108 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can move to and/orwithin one or more areas 102 in response to one or more signals 112associated with one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, theone or more sterilization units 114 may then apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or moreobjects 104 within the one or more areas 102. Methods to fabricaterobots and robotic control systems that may be used to constructsterilization units 114 are known and have been described (i.e., Xie,Fundamentals of Robotics: Linking Perception to Action, World ScientificPublishing Co. Pte. Ltd., River Edge, N.J., 2003; Nehmzow, MobileRobotics: A Practical Introduction, 2^(nd) Edition, Springer-Verlag,London, UK, 2003; Siegwart and Nourbakhsh, Introduction to AutonomousMobile Robots, The MIT Press, Cumberland, R.I., 2004).

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may emitradiation. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayemit sterilizing radiation. Sterilizing radiation may be emitted fromnumerous types of sources that include, but are not limited to, emissionfrom a cobalt-60 source, coherent light emitted from one or morefrequency quadrupled-Nd YAG/glass lasers (neodymium-doped yttriumaluminum garnet (Nd:Y₃Al₅O₁₂), excimer lasers, frequency quadrupleddiode pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers, incoherent light emitted fromone or more low-pressure mercury resonance lamps, emission from tunabledye lasers, and the like. Sources of sterilizing radiation are known inthe art and are commercially available (XENON Corporation, Wilmington,Mass.; Big Sky Laser Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, Mont.; Enhance-It,LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926; Advanced Sterilization Products,Irvine, Calif. 92618; Coherent Inc., Santa Clara, Calif. 95054).

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emitsterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 can emit sterilizing radiation as apulse. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emitnumerous types and/or combinations of sterilizing radiation, such asultraviolet light and/or gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light havingwavelengths between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers and/orsubstantially any combination of wavelengths between 100 nanometers and400 nanometers. In other embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 can emit ultraviolet light having wavelengths between 180 nanometersand 300 nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengthsbetween 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light havingwavelengths between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers and/orsubstantially any combination of wavelengths between 255 nanometers and280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114can emit ultraviolet light having wavelengths between 250 nanometers and280 nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengthsbetween 250 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In other embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light havingwavelengths that are centered, but asymmetric, and about 265 nanometersand/or substantially any combination of wavelengths of such light. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can exclude theemission of one or more wavelengths of radiation.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emitsterilizing radiation according to parameters set at the one or moresterilization units 114. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can emit sterilizing radiation according to instructionsincluded within one or more signals 112 received by the one or moresterilization units 114. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can emit sterilizing radiation according to parameters set atthe one or more sterilization units 114 and according to instructionsincluded within one or more signals 112 received by the one or moresterilization units 114. In some embodiments, emission of sterilizingradiation from one or more sterilization units 114 can be started andstopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed,steered, shaped, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routineor sequence, or substantially any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emit one ormore forms of non-sterilizing radiation. Examples of suchnon-sterilizing radiation include infrared radiation, sonic radiation,ultrasonic radiation, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can steerradiation emitted from the one or more sterilization units 114. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can shape radiationemitted from the one or more sterilization units 114. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can steer and shaperadiation emitted from the one or more sterilization units 114. Methodsand systems that can be used to steer and/or and shape emittedradiation, such as ultraviolet light, are known (i.e., U.S. PatentApplication Number 20030081293: Optical communications system andmethod; U.S. Patent Application Number 20020158814: Electronicallyscanned beam display; U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,536: System and method fordisplaying/projecting a color image; U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,221: Scannedbeam display; U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,444: Miniature optical scanner for atwo axis scanning system; all of which are incorporated herein byreference). Briefly, in some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may include a moving mirror that is mounted to a spring plate.The mirror may be mounted with a ferromagnetic material that is drivenby a pair of electromagnetic coils to provide motive force to themirror. Drive electronics can provide an electrical signal to activatethe coils and thereby move the mirror. Alternatively, a mirror may bemounted to a pivoting shaft and driven by an inductive coil. Inoperation, one or more sterilization units 114 may emit radiation thatstrikes a mirror and is deflected from the mirror into one or more areas102. The path of the deflected radiation may be controlled throughactivation of drive electronics that activate the coils and thereby movethe mirror. Numerous other methods and systems may be used to steer andshape radiation, such as radiation emitted from one or moresterilization units 114.

Transmitting Units

The system 100 can include one or more transmitting units 116. In someembodiments, the one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one ormore signals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114. In someembodiments, the one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one ormore signals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114 in response toone or more survey units 110. The one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit numerous types of signals 112 to one or more sterilizationunits 114. For example, the one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit a signal 112 that includes, but is not limited to, a hardwiredsignal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, a radiofrequency (RF)signal, a digital signal, an analog signal, or substantially anycombination thereof to one or more sterilization units 114. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 provide for userinteraction 124 with a user 122. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can communicate with one or more recordingdevices 120.

Sensor Units

The system 100 can include one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sensor units 118 can communicate with one ormore sterilization units 114, one or more survey units 110, one or morerecording units 120, and substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more sensor units 118 provide for user interaction124 with one or more users 122. In some embodiments, one or more sensorunits 118 can detect one or more times when one or more areas 102 weresterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sensor units 118 can detecthow often one or more areas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, oneor more sensor units 118 can detect the intensity with which one or moreareas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sensor units118 can detect whether or not one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moresensor units 118 can detect one or more types of sterilization agents108 that have been applied within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sensor units 118 can detect one or more typesof sterilization agents 108 that have been applied to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sensor units 118 can detect one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that have been applied to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sensor units 118 candetect one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that have beenapplied to one or more objects 104 or one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102. Sensor units 118 can utilize numerous types oftechnologies. In some embodiments, one or more sensor units 118 candetermine when one or more areas 102 were exposed to ultraviolet lightby detecting phosphorescent light emission from phosphorescent materialthat is included within the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sensor units 118 can be used to detect phosphorescent lightemission from one or more types of phosphorescent paint that is includedwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more types ofphosphorescent paint are included within one or more areas 102 thatbecome excited upon being exposed to ultraviolet light used to sterilizethe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the intensity of lightemitted from one or more phosphorescent materials that are includedwithin one or more areas 102 can be detected by one or more sensor units118 to determine when the one or more areas 102 were irradiated withultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more sensor units 118 maydetermine the rate at which emission from one or more phosphorescentmaterials that are included within one or more areas 102 decreasesfollowing irradiation with ultraviolet light to determine when the oneor more areas 102 were irradiated with ultraviolet light. In someembodiments, two or more phosphorescent materials that emit light ofdifferent wavelengths are included within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, two or more phosphorescent materials that emit light fordifferent lengths of time following irradiation with ultraviolet lightare included within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, two ormore phosphorescent materials that emit light of different wavelengthsand that emit light for different lengths of time following irradiationwith ultraviolet light are included within one or more areas 102.Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more sensor units 118 candetermine when one or more areas 102 were irradiated with ultravioletlight by detecting wavelengths and intensities of light emitted from oneor more phosphorescent materials that are included within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, phosphorescent materials may beused to indicate when one or more areas 102 were sterilized with aheat-based sterilization agent 108, such as steam, due to thetemperature dependence of phosphorescent emission. Phosphorescentmaterials and paints are known in the art and are commercially available(i.e., Risk Reactor, Huntington Beach, Calif.). In some embodiments, oneor more sensor units 118 may include an ultraviolet light detector. Suchdetectors are known in the art and are commercially available (i.e.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,438; U.S. Pat. No. 7,009,185: Ultraviolet detectorand manufacture method thereof; U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,529: Ultravioletdetector; U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,654: Hybrid ultraviolet detector; U.S.Pat. No. 4,403,826: Ultraviolet radiation detector; all of which areincorporated herein by reference; Ofil Ltd., Nes-Ziona, Israel).

Recording Units

The system 100 may include one or more recording units 120. In someembodiments, one or more recording units 120 communicate with one ormore sensor units 118, one or more sterilization units 114, one or moresurvey units 110, one or more transmitting units 116 and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or morerecording units 120 provide for user interaction 124 by one or moreusers 122. In some embodiments, one or more recording units 120 canreceive one or more signals 112. The one or more recording units 120 canrecord numerous types of information. In some embodiments, one or morerecording units 120 record information associated with one or moresterilization protocols assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more recording units 120 record one or more timeswhen one or more areas 102 were sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore recording units 120 record the identity of one or moresterilization agents 108 that were applied to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more recording units 120 record the intensitywith which one or more areas 102 were sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more recording units 120 record one or more times when one ormore areas 102 were sterilized. In some embodiments, one or morerecording units 120 record the frequency with which one or more areas102 are sterilized. Many types of recording devices 120 may be used.Examples of such recording devices include, but are not limited to, manytypes of memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and thelike.

User Interaction

The system 100 may provide for user interaction 124. In someembodiments, a user 122 may interact with one or more transmitting units116, one or more recording units 120, one or more survey units 110, oneor more sensor units 118, one or more sterilization units 114 and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. Such interaction can include, butis not limited to, inputting instructions related to the sterilizationof one or more areas with regard to time, place, duration, intensity,priority, identity of one or more sterilization agents and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. The user 122 can interact throughuse of numerous technologies. For example, user interaction 124 canoccur through use of hardwired methods, such as through use of akeyboard, use of wireless methods, use of the internet, and the like. Insome embodiments, a user 122 is not human.

In some embodiments, the sterilization method involves completelysterilizing one or more areas 102, partially sterilizing one or moreareas 102, sterilizing one or more objects 104 within one or more areas102, sterilizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102,or substantially any combination thereof. In other embodiments, themethod includes avoiding sterilization of one or more areas 102,avoiding sterilization of one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102, avoiding sterilization of one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102, or substantially any combination thereof. In stillother embodiments, the method includes partially sterilizing one or moreareas 102, sterilizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas102, sterilizing one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102,avoiding sterilization of one or more areas 102, avoiding sterilizationof one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102, avoidingsterilization of one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102,or substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 2 and in following figures that include various examplesof operations used during performance of the sterilization method,discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examplesand contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations maybe executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/ormodified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes an operation210 involving surveying one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 are used to survey one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one survey unit 110 is used to survey one area 102. Insome embodiments, one survey unit 110 is used to survey one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, more than one survey unit 110 is used tosurvey one area 102.

The operational flow 200 also includes a transmitting operation 220involving transmitting one or more signals to one or more sterilizationunits in response to the surveying one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 transmit one or moresignals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114. In some embodiments,one transmitting unit 116 transmits one signal 112 to one sterilizationunit 114. In some embodiments, one transmitting unit 116 transmits oneor more signals 112 to one sterilization unit 114. In some embodiments,one transmitting unit 116 transmits one signal 112 to one or moresterilization units 114. In some embodiments, one transmitting unit 116transmits one or more signals 112 to one sterilization unit 114. In someembodiments, one transmitting unit 116 transmits one or more signals 112to one or more sterilization units 114. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 transmit one signal 112 to one sterilization unit114. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 transmitone or more signals 112 to one sterilization unit 114. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 transmit one signal 112to one or more sterilization units 114.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments where thesurveying operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 302, operation 304,operation 306, operation 308 and/or operation 310.

At operation 302, the surveying operation 210 may include determining ifone or more areas 102 should be sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can survey one or more areas 102 to determine ifthe one or more areas 102 should be sterilized. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can determine if a predetermined amount of timehas passed since one or more areas 102 were last sterilized.Accordingly, one or more areas 102 can be sterilized if more than agiven amount of time has passed since the one or more areas 102 werelast sterilized. In some embodiments, in order to determine when one ormore areas 102 were last sterilized, one or more survey units 110 cancommunicate with one or more sensor units 118 that can communicate whenthe one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In other embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can detect phosphorescent emission from oneor more phosphorescent materials included within one or more areas 102to determine when the one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect the presence,absence and/or concentration of one or more sterilization agents 108within one or more areas 102 to determine when the one or more areas 102were last sterilized. In some embodiments, gas chromatography can beused to detect one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one ormore recording units 120 to determine when one or more areas 102 werelast sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 cancommunicate with one or more sterilization units 114 to determine whenone or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can use one or more methods to determine when oneor more areas 102 should be sterilized. Numerous additional knownmethods may be used to determine if one or more areas 102 should besterilized.

At operation 304, the surveying operation 210 may include determining ifone or more areas 102 should not be sterilized. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can survey one or more areas 102 to determineif the one or more areas 102 should not be sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine if apredetermined amount of time has passed since one or more areas 102 werelast sterilized. Accordingly, one or more areas 102 may not besterilized if less than a given amount of time has passed since the oneor more areas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, in order todetermine when one or more areas 102 were last sterilized, one or moresurvey units 110 can communicate with one or more sensor units 118 thatcan communicate when the one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. Inother embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectphosphorescent emission from one or more phosphorescent materialsincluded within one or more areas 102 to determine when the one or moreareas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the presence, absence and/or concentration of oneor more sterilization agents 108 within one or more areas 102 todetermine when the one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In someembodiments, gas chromatography can be use to detect one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can communicate with one or more recording units 120 to determinewhen one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one or moresterilization units 114 to determine when one or more areas 102 werelast sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canuse one or more methods to determine when one or more areas 102 shouldbe sterilized. Numerous additional known methods may be used todetermine if one or more areas 102 should be sterilized.

At operation 306, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more surfaces 106 within the one or more areas 102 that should besterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can surveyone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 to determine ifthe one or more surfaces 106 should be sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can determine if a predetermined amount oftime has passed since one or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized.Accordingly, one or more surfaces 106 may be sterilized if more than agiven amount of time has passed since the one or more surfaces 106 werelast sterilized. In some embodiments, in order to determine when one ormore surfaces 106 were last sterilized, one or more survey units 110 cancommunicate with one or more sensor units 118 that can communicate whenthe one or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized. In other embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can detect phosphorescent emission from oneor more phosphorescent materials included on or within the one or moresurfaces 106 to determine when the one or more surfaces 106 were laststerilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectthe presence, absence and/or concentration of one or more sterilizationagents 108 on the one or more surfaces 106 to determine when the one ormore surfaces 106 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, gaschromatography can be use to detect one or more sterilization agents108. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicatewith one or more recording units 120 to determine when one or moresurfaces 106 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can communicate with one or more sterilization units114 to determine when one or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can use one or moremethods to determine when one or more surfaces 106 should be sterilized.Numerous additional known methods may be used to determine if one ormore surfaces 106 should be sterilized.

At operation 308, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more surfaces 106 within the one or more areas 102 that shouldnot be sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 cansurvey one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 todetermine if the one or more surfaces 106 should not be sterilized. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine if apredetermined amount of time has passed since one or more surfaces 106were last sterilized. Accordingly, one or more surfaces 106 may not benot sterilized if less than a given amount of time has passed since theone or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, inorder to determine when one or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized,one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one or more sensorunits 118 that can communicate when the one or more surfaces 106 werelast sterilized. In other embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetect phosphorescent emission from one or more phosphorescent materialsincluded on or within one or more surfaces 106 to determine when the oneor more surfaces 106 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can detect the presence, absence and/orconcentration of one or more sterilization agents 108 on the one or moresurfaces 106 to determine when the one or more surfaces 106 were laststerilized. In some embodiments, gas chromatography can be use to detectone or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can communicate with one or more recording units 120 todetermine when one or more surfaces 106 were last sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one ormore sterilization units 114 to determine when one or more surfaces 106were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can use one or more methods to determine when one or more surfaces 106should be sterilized. Numerous additional known methods may be used todetermine if one or more surfaces 106 should not be sterilized.

At operation 310, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more objects 104 within the one or more areas 102 that should besterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can surveyone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 to determine if theone or more objects 104 should be sterilized. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can determine if a predetermined amount of timehas passed since one or more objects 104 were last sterilized.Accordingly, one or more objects 104 may be sterilized if more than agiven amount of time has passed since the one or more objects 104 werelast sterilized. In some embodiments, in order to determine when one ormore objects 104 were last sterilized, one or more survey units 110 cancommunicate with one or more sensor units 118 that can communicate whenthe one or more objects 104 were last sterilized. In other embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can detect phosphorescent emission from oneor more phosphorescent materials included on or within one or moreobjects 104 to determine when the one or more objects 104 were laststerilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detectthe presence, absence and/or concentration of one or more sterilizationagents 108 on the one or more objects 104 to determine when the one ormore objects 104 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, gaschromatography can be use to detect one or more sterilization agents108. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicatewith one or more recording units 120 to determine when one or moreobjects 104 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can communicate with one or more sterilization units114 to determine when one or more objects 104 were last sterilized. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can use one or moremethods to determine when one or more objects 104 should be sterilized.Numerous additional known methods may be used to determine if one ormore objects 104 should be sterilized.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example embodiments where thesurveying operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 402, operation 404,operation 406, operation 408 and/or operation 410.

At operation 402, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more objects 104 within the one or more areas 102 that should notbe sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 cansurvey one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 to determineif the one or more objects 104 should not be sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine if apredetermined amount of time has passed since one or more objects 104were last sterilized. Accordingly, one or more objects 104 may not benot sterilized if less than a given amount of time has passed since theone or more objects 104 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, inorder to determine when one or more objects 104 were last sterilized,one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one or more sensorunits 118 that can communicate when the one or more objects 104 werelast sterilized. In other embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetect phosphorescent emission from one or more phosphorescent materialsincluded on or within one or more objects 104 to determine when the oneor more objects 104 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can detect the presence, absence and/orconcentration of one or more sterilization agents 108 on the one or moreobjects 104 to determine when the one or more objects 104 were laststerilized. In some embodiments, gas chromatography can be use to detectone or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can communicate with one or more recording units 120 todetermine when one or more objects 104 were last sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one ormore sterilization units 114 to determine when one or more objects 104were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can use one or more methods to determine when one or more objects 104should not be sterilized. Numerous additional known methods may be usedto determine if one or more objects 104 should not be sterilized.

At operation 404, the surveying operation 210 may include mapping one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canmap one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can map one or more areas with one or more three dimensional laserscanners. Such three dimensional laser scanners are known and arecommercially available (i.e., Callidus 3D laser scanner and GX scannerfrom Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, Calif.; LMS-Z360i from RieglUSA Inc., Orlando, Fla.). In some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can determine the dimensions of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine the positions ofone or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104 within the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetermine the dimensions of one or more areas 102 and the positions ofone or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104 within the oneor more areas 102.

At operation 406, the surveying operation 210 may include modeling oneor more areas. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canmodel one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can convert information received through mapping of one ormore areas 102 and produce one or more models of the one or more areas102. For example, in some embodiments, models can be produced thatinclude the relative positions and dimensions of surfaces 106 andobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, modelsmay be used to instruct one or more sterilization units 114 where toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, models may be used to instruct one or moresterilization units 114 where not to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 within one or more areas 102. Accordingly, in someembodiments, one or more areas 102 that include one or more humans canbe sterilized without exposing the one or more humans to one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can sterilize one or more areas 102 that include one or morehumans with sterilizing radiation without exposing the one or morehumans to the sterilizing radiation.

At operation 408, the surveying operation 210 may include determining ifone or more areas 102 are in compliance with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetermine if one or more areas 102 are in compliance with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationprotocols may be assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,a sterilization protocol may specify the immediacy, latency, intensityand time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation that is to beapplied within one or more areas 102 as a function of either relative orabsolute location within the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,a sterilization protocol may specify one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that are to be applied to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify one or more types ofsterilization agents 108 that are not to be applied to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify thefrequency with which one or more sterilization agents 108 are to beapplied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, a sterilizationprotocol may specify the intensity and/or concentration that one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that are to be applied to one or moreareas 102. Numerous sterilization protocols can be assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, such protocols can be used tospecify the intensity with which one or more areas 102 are sterilized toaccount for high patient-hazard and/or high infectivity likelihood areasto ensure that such areas receive rigorous and/or frequent sterilizationtreatment. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can communicate with one or more recording units 120, one or moresensor units 118, one or more sterilization units 114, and substantiallyany combination thereof to determine if one or more areas 102 have beensterilized in accordance with a sterilization protocol. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine how much timehas passed since one or more areas 102 were last sterilized.Accordingly, one or more survey units 110 can determine if one or moreareas 102 are in compliance with one or more protocols that call forsterilization of the one or more areas 102 at given time intervals. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can communicate with oneor more sensor units 118 to determine one or more areas 102 were laststerilized. In other embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetect phosphorescent emission from one or more phosphorescent materialsincluded within one or more areas 102 to determine when the one or moreareas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can detect the presence, absence and/or concentration of oneor more sterilization agents 108 within the one or more areas 102 todetermine when the one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In someembodiments, gas chromatography can be use to detect one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more survey units110 can communicate with one or more recording units 120 to determinewhen one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can communicate with one or moresterilization units 114 to determine when one or more areas 102 werelast sterilized. One or more survey units 110 can use numerous methodsto determine if one or more areas 102 are in compliance with one or moresterilization protocols.

At operation 410, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more sterilization statuses for one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine one or moresterilization statuses for one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,the sterilization status of one or more areas 102 can be relative to oneor more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas 102. Forexample, some areas may be assigned a very high sterilization levelwhere very high levels of sterility are desired. Examples of areas wherea very high level of sterility may be desired include, but are notlimited to, hospital operating rooms, pharmaceutical packagingfacilities, food packaging facilities, nude mouse facilities, hospitalwards, and the like. In other examples, areas where the levels ofsterility may not need to be as high can be assigned a lowersterilization level. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationlevels that are assigned to one or more areas 102 may include parametersfor time of sterilization, frequency of sterilization, type ofsterilization agent 108 to be applied, intensity of sterilization, useof multiple sterilization agents 108, risk-level assigned to one or moreareas 102, types of contamination occurring within one or more areas102, disease-state of one or more patients within one or more areas 102,and the like. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetermine one or more sterilization statuses of one or more areas 102which indicate if the one or more areas 102 need to be sterilized orwhether the one or more areas 102 satisfy the desired sterilizationlevel. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determinewhen one or more areas 102 that are currently sterile should besterilized again. In such embodiments, one or more survey units 110 caninstruct one or more sterilization units 114 when to sterilize the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiment, one or more survey units 110 candetermine if the sterilization level assigned to one or more areas 102has changed and whether the one or more areas 102 satisfy the newlyassigned sterilization level. In such embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can instruct one or more sterilization units 114 whether ornot to sterilize the one or more areas 102.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where thesurveying operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 502, operation 504,operation 506, operation 508 and/or operation 510.

At operation 502, the surveying operation 210 may include obtaining oneor more readings from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can obtain one or more readings from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can obtain one or more readings from one or more sensor units 118 thatindicate one or more times when one or more areas 102 were sterilized.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can obtain one or morereadings from one or more sensor units 118 that indicate how often oneor more areas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can obtain one or more readings from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate the intensity with which one or more areas 102are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canobtain one or more readings from one or more sensor units 118 thatindicate whether or not one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can obtain one or more readings from one or more sensor units118 that indicate one or more types of sterilization agents 108 thathave been applied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more survey units 110 can obtain one or more readings from one ormore sensor units 118 that indicate one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that have been applied to one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canobtain one or more readings from one or more sensor units 118 thatindicate one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that have beenapplied to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can obtain one or morereadings from one or more sensor units 118 that indicate one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that have been applied to one or moreobjects 104 or one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 504, the surveying operation 210 may include determining ifone or more shadow areas are present within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can determine if one ormore shadow areas are present within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, shadow areas may occur when radiation is blocked fromirradiating one or more shadow areas by one or more objects 104positioned between one or more sterilization units 114 that emitradiation and the one or more shadow areas. Determining where shadowareas occur allows those shadow areas to be assigned non-sterile status.Alternatively, determining the existence of such shadow areas providesfor irradiation of the shadow areas with radiation emitted from anothersterilization unit 114 that may be moved into, or next to, the one ormore shadow areas. In some embodiments, the position of one or moreshadow areas within one or more areas 102 may be determined byirradiating the one or more areas 102 with radiation emitted from one ormore sterilization units 114 and then moving one or more survey units110 around the one or more areas 102 to determine where the radiationdoes not impinge. In some embodiments, shadow areas can be predictedthrough use of computer modeling to determine if radiation, such asultraviolet light, emitted from one or more sterilization units 114 willimpinge on one or more areas 102. Additional methods may be used todetermine if one or more shadow areas are present within one or moreareas 102 that include the use of one or more sensor units 118positioned throughout the one or more areas, use of indicators thatphosphoresce or change color when irradiated, and the like.

At operation 506, the surveying operation 210 may include surveying oneor more areas 102 with one or more survey units 110 that are stationary.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationaryand one or more survey units 110 that are mobile can be used to surveyone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110that are stationary may be permanently positioned within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that arestationary may be transiently positioned within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationarymay be positioned within one or more areas 102 so that the one or moresurvey units 110 can survey substantially all surfaces 106 and/orsubstantially all objects 104 within the one or more areas 102.

At operation 508, the surveying operation 210 may include surveying oneor more areas 102 with one or more survey units 110 that are mobile. Insome embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are stationary andone or more survey units 110 that are mobile can be used to survey oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110that are mobile may be permanently positioned within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are mobilemay be transiently positioned within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 that are mobile may be movedabout one or more areas 102 so that the one or more survey units 110 maysurvey substantially all surfaces 106 and/or substantially all objects104 within the one or more areas 102.

At operation 510, the surveying operation 210 may include prioritizingone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore survey units 110 can prioritize one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more areas 102 can beprioritized for sterilization based on the immediacy of the need forsterilization of the one or more areas 102. For example, an operatingroom may be sterilized before other areas 102 due to the existence of anemergency surgery that is to be done within the operating room. In someembodiments, one or more areas 102 can be prioritized for sterilizationbased on the presence of a highly infectious agent within the one ormore areas 102. For example, an examination room in a hospital may besterilized before other areas 102 due to the presence of a patient whois infected with smallpox within the examination room. In someembodiments, one or more areas 102 can be prioritized for sterilizationbased on conformance of the one or more areas 102 with a sterilizationprotocol. Numerous criteria may be used to prioritize one or more areas102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can prioritize one or more areas 102 for sterilization based on one ormore surveys done by the one or more survey units 110. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can prioritize one or moreareas 102 for sterilization following communication with one or moresensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canprioritize one or more areas 102 for sterilization followingcommunication with one or more recording units 120. In some embodiments,one or more survey units 110 can prioritize one or more areas 102 forsterilization following user interaction 124.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where thesurveying operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 602, operation 604,operation 606 and/or operation 608.

At operation 602, the surveying operation 210 may include prioritizingone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can prioritize one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. Insome embodiments, one or more surfaces 106 can be prioritized forsterilization based on the immediacy of the need for the one or moresurfaces 106 or one or more areas 102 in which the one or more surfaces106 are included to be sterilized. For example, a surface 106 within anoperating room may be sterilized before other areas 102 due to theexistence of an emergency surgery that is to be done within theoperating room. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces 106 can beprioritized for sterilization based on the presence of a highlyinfectious agent on and/or within the one or more surfaces 106. Forexample, a surface 106 within an examination room in a hospital may besterilized before other areas 102 due to the presence of a patient whois infected with smallpox within the examination room. In someembodiments, one or more surfaces 106 can be prioritized forsterilization based on conformance of the one or more surfaces 106, orone or more areas 102 in which the one or more surfaces 106 areincluded, with a sterilization protocol. Numerous criteria may be usedto prioritize one or more surfaces 106 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can prioritize one or moresurfaces 106 for sterilization based on one or more surveys done by theone or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can prioritize one or more surfaces 106 for sterilizationfollowing communication with one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more survey units 110 can prioritize one or moresurfaces 106 for sterilization following communication with one or morerecording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can prioritize one or more surfaces 106 for sterilization following userinteraction 124.

At operation 604, the surveying operation 210 may include determining ifone or more humans are present or absent within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can detect thepresence or absence of one or more humans within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can utilize one ormore transmitting units 116 to transmit one or more signals 112 to oneor more sterilization units 114 to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 onto one or more humans present within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 canutilize one or more transmitting units 116 to transmit one or moresignals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one or moresterilization agents 108 onto one or more humans present within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetermine an amount of radiation to which one or more humans have beenexposed while within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, theradiation is light. In some embodiments, the radiation is ultravioletlight. In some embodiments, the radiation is infrared radiation. In someembodiments, the radiation is gamma radiation. In some embodiments, theradiation is microwave radiation. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can detect radiation that has been reflected onto oneor more humans within one or more areas 102. Examples of such humansinclude, but are not limited to, hospital patients, dental patients,nurses, physicians, pharmaceutical workers, food workers, transportationworkers, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110can determine an amount of radiation that is incident on one or moresurfaces 106 that occur on one or more humans. Examples of such surfaces106 include, but are not limited to, open wounds, eyes, skin, and thelike.

At operation 606, the surveying operation 210 may include predictingactivity of one or more sterilization agents applied within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 can predictthe activity of one or more sterilization agents 108 that are appliedwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more surveyunits 110 can utilize the identity, concentration, time of application,and/or substantially any combination thereof of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 and to determine theactivity of the one or more sterilization agents 108 on one or moretypes of contamination that may or may not be present within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, the identity, concentration, timeof application, and/or substantially any combination thereof, of one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 may be determinedby one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more sensorunits 118, sterilization units 114, recording units 120, users 122, orsubstantially any combination thereof, may communicate the identity,concentration, time of application, and/or substantially any combinationthereof, of one or more sterilization agents 108 that were applied toone or more areas 102 to one or more survey units 110.

At operation 608, the surveying operation 210 may include determiningone or more time intervals that have elapsed since previous activity ofone or more sterilization agents 108 that were applied within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more survey units 110 candetermine one or more time intervals that have elapsed since previousactivity of one or more sterilization agents 108 that were appliedwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more timeintervals that have elapsed since previous activity of one or moresterilization agents 108 that were applied by one or more sterilizationunits 114 within one or more areas 102 can be communicated to one ormore survey units 110 by one or more sensor units 118, sterilizationunits 114, recording units 120, users 122, or substantially anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more sterilizationagents 108 may be applied by one or more sterilization units 114.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 702, operation704, operation 706, operation 708 and/or operation 710.

At operation 702, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents to oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more sterilizationunits 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 that areidentified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or morerecording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more time intervals that have elapsed since oneor more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one ormore areas 102.

At operation 704, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to avoid applying one or more sterilizationagents to one or more areas 102. The one or more signals 112 can includenumerous types of information. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 can include one or more instructions for one or more sterilizationunits 114 to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions indicating one or more portionsof one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units 110 arenot to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments,one or more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions forone or more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more time intervals that haveelapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 706, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous typesof information. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more humans that arepresent or absent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more sterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 that are identified to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more recording units120. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied to one or more surfaces106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 708, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units to avoid applying oneor more sterilization agents to one or more surfaces within the one ormore areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102. The one or more signals 112 can include numeroustypes of information. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 caninclude one or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are associated with one or more maps of one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions forone or more sterilization units 114 to comply with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more sterilization statuses assigned to oneor more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more signals 112 are associated with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are associated with one or more locations of one ormore shadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to one or moresterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 that arestationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmittedto one or more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more instructions for one or more recording units 120. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moretime intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents108 were previously applied to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102.

At operation 710, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one ormore areas 102. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous typesof information. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more humans that arepresent or absent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more sterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 that are identified to one or more objects 104 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more recording units120. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 802, operation804, operation 806, operation 808 and/or operation 810.

At operation 802, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for the one or more sterilization units 114 to avoidapplying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objectswithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. The one or more signals 112can include numerous types of information. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to avoid applying one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more models of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 tocomply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more signals 112 are associated with one or more sterilizationstatuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are associated with one or more readings obtained fromone or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more locations of one or more shadowareas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are transmitted to one or more sterilization units 114from one or more survey units 110 that are stationary. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to one or moresterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 that aremobile. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withprioritizing one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more sterilizationunits 114 to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 thatare identified to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one ormore instructions for one or more recording units 120. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moretime intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents108 were previously applied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 804, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps ofone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith the dimensions of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with one or more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/orone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with the dimensions of one or more areas 102 andone or more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas102 are transmitted to one or more sterilization units 114. The one ormore signals 112 can include numerous types of information. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, the one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more sterilizationunits 114 to comply with one or more sterilization protocols. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morereadings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions indicating one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units114 are to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 110 are not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

At operation 806, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals associated with one or more models ofthe one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith the dimensions of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with one or more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/orone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with the dimensions of one or more areas 102 andone or more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more models of one or more areas102 are transmitted to one or more sterilization units 114. The one ormore signals 112 can include numerous types of information. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, the one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more instructions for one or more sterilizationunits 114 to comply with one or more sterilization protocols. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morereadings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 aretransmitted to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions indicating one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units114 are to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 110 are not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

At operation 808, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to comply with oneor more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 tocomply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization protocols may be assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify theimmediacy, latency, intensity and time-integrated intensity ofsterilizing radiation that is to be applied within one or more areas 102as a function of either relative or absolute location within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, a sterilization protocol mayspecify one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that are to beapplied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, a sterilizationprotocol may specify one or more types of sterilization agents 108 thatare not to be applied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, asterilization protocol may specify the frequency with which one or moresterilization agents 108 are to be applied to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify the intensityand/or concentration that one or more types of sterilization agents 108that are to be applied to one or more areas 102. Numerous sterilizationprotocols can be assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,such protocols can be used to specify the intensity with which one ormore areas 102 are sterilized to account for high patient-hazard and/orhigh infectivity likelihood areas to ensure that such areas 102 receiverigorous and/or frequent sterilization treatment. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112to one or more recording units 120, one or more sensor units 118, one ormore sterilization units 114, and substantially any combination thereofthat are associated with one or more sterilization protocols. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with how much time has passed since one or moreareas 102 were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith determining if one or more areas 102 are in compliance with one ormore protocols that call for sterilization of the one or more areas 102at given time intervals.

At operation 810, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more sterilization statuses assignedto one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the sterilization statusof one or more areas 102 can be relative to one or more sterilizationlevels assigned to the one or more areas 102. For example, some areas102 may be assigned a very high sterilization level where very highlevels of sterility are desired. Examples of areas 102 where a very highlevel of sterility may be desired include, but are not limited to,hospital operating rooms, pharmaceutical packaging facilities, foodpackaging facilities, nude mouse facilities, hospital wards, and thelike. In other examples, areas 102 where the levels of sterility may notneed to be as high can be assigned a lower sterilization level. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization levels that are assigned to oneor more areas 102 may include parameters for time of sterilization,frequency of sterilization, type of sterilization agent 108 to beapplied, intensity of sterilization, use of multiple sterilizationagents 108, risk-level assigned to one or more areas 102, types ofcontamination occurring within one or more areas 102, disease-state ofone or more patients within one or more areas 102, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more sterilization statuses of one ormore areas which indicate if the one or more areas 102 need to besterilized or whether the one or more areas 102 satisfy the desiredsterilization level. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated determining when oneor more areas 102 that are currently sterile should be sterilized again.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit oneor more signals 112 associated with instructing one or moresterilization units 114 when to sterilize the one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one ormore signals 112 associated with determining if one or moresterilization levels assigned to one or more areas 102 have changed andwhether the one or more areas 102 satisfy the one or more newly assignedsterilization levels.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 902, operation904, operation 906, operation 908 and/or operation 910.

At operation 902, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or morereadings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more readings obtained from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118 to one or moresterilization units 114, one or more survey units 110, one or morerecording units 120, and substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more times when one or more areas 102were sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with how often one ormore areas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith the intensity with which one or more areas 102 are sterilized. Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one ormore signals 112 associated with whether or not one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that havebeen applied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that havebeen applied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit oneor more signals 112 associated with one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that have been applied to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that have been applied to one or moreobjects 104 and/or one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas102.

At operation 904, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or more locationsof one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, shadow areas may occur when radiation is blocked fromirradiating one or more shadow areas by one or more objects 104positioned between one or more sterilization units 114 that emitradiation and the one or more shadow areas. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with assigning non-sterile status to one or more shadowareas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with instructing one or moresterilization units 114 to sterilize one or more shadow areas.

At operation 906, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 to one or more sterilization units114 from one or more survey units 110 that are stationary. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114 from one or moresurvey units 110 that are stationary. The one or more signals 112 caninclude numerous types of information. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 caninclude one or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can include oneor more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to applyone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 caninclude one or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 that are stationary. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to one or moresterilization units 114 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions indicating one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units114 are to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 110 are not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

At operation 908, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sterilization units fromone or more survey units that are mobile. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 to oneor more sterilization units 114 from one or more survey units 110 thatare mobile. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous types ofinformation. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 can includeone or more instructions for one or more sterilization units 114 toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 can include one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 can include one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresignals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to oneor more sterilization units 114 that are stationary. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are transmitted to one or moresterilization units 114 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one ormore signals 112 are associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112 areassociated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more humans that are present or absentwithin one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more instructions indicating one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization units114 are to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more signals 112 are associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 110 are not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more signals 112are associated with one or more instructions for one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 112 are associated with one or more instructions for oneor more recording units 120. In some embodiments, one or more signals112 are associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

At operation 910, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with prioritizing one ormore areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith prioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with the need for sterilization of the one ormore areas 102. For example, an operating room may be sterilized beforeother areas 102 due to the existence of an emergency surgery that is tobe done within the operating room. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedthe presence of a highly infectious agent within the one or more areas102. For example, an examination room in a hospital may be sterilizedbefore other areas 102 due to the presence of a patient who is infectedwith smallpox within the examination room. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with conformance with a sterilization protocol.

FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1002,operation 1004, operation 1006, operation 1008 and/or operation 1010.

At operation 1002, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with prioritizing one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one ormore signals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with the need for sterilization of one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102. For example, one or more surfaces 106within an operating room may be sterilized before other areas 102 due tothe existence of an emergency surgery that is to be done within theoperating room. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with the presence of ahighly infectious agent within or on one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102. For example, one or more surfaces 106 within anexamination room in a hospital may be sterilized before other areas 102due to the presence of a patient who is infected with smallpox withinthe examination room. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated withconformance with a sterilization protocol.

At operation 1004, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or more humansthat are present or absent within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more humans that are present orabsent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith an amount of radiation, such as ultraviolet light, to which one ormore humans have been exposed. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith an amount of radiation, such as ultraviolet light, to which one ormore humans have been exposed through reflection of the radiation ontothe one or more humans. Examples of such humans include, but are notlimited to, hospital patients, dental patients, nurses, physicians,pharmaceutical workers, food workers, transportation workers, and thelike. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with an amount of light thatis incident on one or more surfaces 106 that occur on one or morehumans. Examples of such surfaces include, but are not limited to, openwounds, eyes, skin, and the like.

At operation 1006, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where one or more sterilization units 114 are to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore instructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas102 where one or more sterilization units 114 are to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationagents 108 may be applied to one or more portions of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, a first type of sterilization agent 108 isapplied to one or more first portions of one or more areas 102 and asecond type of sterilization agent 108 is applied to one or more secondportions of one or more areas 102. Accordingly, different types ofsterilization agents 108 may be applied to different portions of one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, activities may be conducted withinone or more portions of one or more areas 102 that involve highlyinfective agents and/or that produce high levels of contamination withinthe one or more portions of the one or more areas 102. Accordingly, oneor more sterilization agents 108 may be applied to those one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 more frequently than to other portionsof the one or more areas 102 which are not exposed to high infectivityagents or high levels of contamination. For example, one or moresterilization agents 108 may be applied to one or more benches within alaboratory more frequently than to one or more desks within thelaboratory 102.

At operation 1008, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where the one or more sterilization units 114 are not to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions indicating one or more portions of one ormore areas 102 where one or more sterilization units 114 are not toapply one or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization agents 108 are not applied to one or more portions ofone or more areas 102. For example, in some embodiments, one or moresterilization agents 108 are not applied to one or more portions of oneor more areas 102 in which laboratory specimens are cultured. Examplesof such areas may be found in hospital laboratories, researchlaboratories, tissue culture laboratories, and the like. In someembodiments, one or more types of sterilization agents 108 are notapplied to one more first portions of one or more areas 102 but othertypes of sterilization agents 108 can be applied to the one or morefirst portions of the one or more areas 102. For example, in someembodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that would damage oneor more portions of one or more areas 102 are not applied to the one ormore portions of the one or more areas 102.

At operation 1010, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more areas 102 may include one or moretypes of contaminants that are preferably treated with one or more typesof sterilization agents 108 as compared to other types of sterilizationagents 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more types ofsterilization agents 108 that are identified are selected forapplication within one or more areas 102 based on the identity of one ormore contaminants for which the one or more sterilization agents 108 areto be used. In some embodiments, one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that are identified are selected for application within oneor more areas 102 based on the characteristics of the one or more areas102, the characteristics of one or more objects 104 within the one ormore areas 102, the characteristics of one or more surfaces 106 withinthe one or more areas 102, and the like. For example, in someembodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identifiedare selected which will not be harmful to one or more areas 102. Forexample, one or more sterilization agents 108 will be selected that willnot dissolve one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 towhich the one or more sterilization agents 108 are to be applied. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that areidentified are selected which will have greater effectiveness insterilizing one or more areas 102. For example, a sterilization agent108 that is a gas, such as ethylene oxide, may be applied to one or moreareas 102 that are porous.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1102 and/oroperation 1104.

At operation 1102, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more recording units 120. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with one or more instructions for one or more recording units120. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 cantransmit one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization protocols assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more times when one or more areas 102were, and/or are to be, sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith the identity of one or more sterilization agents 108 that were,and/or are to be, applied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112associated with the intensity with which one or more areas 102 were,and/or are to be, sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith the frequency with which one or more areas 102 were, and/or are tobe, sterilized.

At operation 1104, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals 112 to one or more sterilization units114 that are associated with one or more time intervals that haveelapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units 116 can transmit one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate that the one or more areas 102 are in compliancewith one or more sterilization protocols assigned to the one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate that the one or more areas 102 are not incompliance with one or more sterilization protocols assigned to the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsed since oneor more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one ormore areas 102 can indicate that one or more sterilization agents 108should be applied to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, theone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102 can indicate that one or moresterilization agents 108 should not be applied to the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate when one or more sterilization agents 108 shouldbe applied to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals that haveelapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102 can indicate what type or types ofsterilization agents 108 should be applied to the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore time intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilizationagents 108 were previously applied within one or more areas 102 canindicate what type or types of sterilization agents 108 should not beapplied to the one or more areas 102.

FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow 1200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 12 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the sterilizationmethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examplesand contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations maybe executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/ormodified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1200 includes an operation1210 involving receiving one or more signals associated with one or moresurvey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110. In some embodiments, one sterilization unit 114 receives onesignal 112 associated with one survey unit 110. In some embodiments, onesterilization unit 114 receives one or more signals 112 associated withone survey unit 110. In some embodiments, one sterilization unit 114receives one signal 112 associated with one or more survey units 110. Insome embodiments, one sterilization unit 114 receives one or moresignals 112 associated with one survey unit 110. In some embodiments,one sterilization unit 114 receives one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one signal 112 associated with onesurvey unit 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one survey unit 110.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive onesignal 112 associated with one or more survey units 110.

The operational flow 1200 also includes an applying operation 1220involving applying one or more sterilization agents to one or more areasin response to the receiving one or more signals associated with one ormore survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in response to receiving one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, onesterilization unit 114 applies one sterilization agent 108 to one area102 in response to receiving one signal 112 associated with one surveyunit 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 applyone sterilization agent 108 to one area 102 in response to receiving onesignal 112 associated with one survey unit 110. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one area 102 in response to receiving one signal 112 associatedwith one survey unit 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in response to receiving one or more signals 112 associatedwith one survey unit 110. In some embodiments, one sterilization unit114 applies one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 in response to receiving one or more signals 112 associated with oneor more survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one sterilization agent 108 to one or more areas 102 inresponse to receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 114. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one area 102 inresponse to receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in response to receiving one signal 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1302, operation 1304,operation 1306, operation 1308 and/or operation 1310.

At operation 1302, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more instructions to apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more models of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions for theone or more sterilization units 114 to comply with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more readings obtained from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withprioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more humans that are present orabsent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions for the one or more sterilization units 114 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more timeintervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108were previously applied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1304, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents to one or more areas102. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous types ofinformation. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions for the one or more sterilization units 114 to avoidapplying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more models of one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsfor the one or more sterilization units 114 to comply with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more readings obtained from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withprioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more humans that are present orabsent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions indicating one or more portions of one or moreareas 102 where the one or more sterilization units 110 are not to applyone or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102.

At operation 1306, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. The one ormore signals 112 can include numerous types of information. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 that can include one or more instructions for the one ormore sterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more models of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions for theone or more sterilization units 114 to comply with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more readings obtained from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withprioritizing one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 forsterilization. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more humans thatare present or absent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more instructions for the one or moresterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1308, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. The one or more signals 112 can include numerous types ofinformation. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions for the one or more sterilization units 114 to avoidapplying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more instructions for the one or moresterilization units 114 to comply with one or more sterilizationprotocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more locations of one or more shadow areas present withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that are associated with oneor more survey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that areassociated with one or more survey units 110 that are mobile. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more humans that are present or absent within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsfor the one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one or moresterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied to one or more surfaces106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1310, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. The one or moresignals 112 can include numerous types of information. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 that can include one or more instructions for the one ormore sterilization units 114 to apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more models of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions for theone or more sterilization units 114 to comply with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more readings obtained from one ormore sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morelocations of one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 that are associated with one or more surveyunits 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that areassociated with one or more survey units 110 that are mobile. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more objects 104 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more humans that are present or absent within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsfor the one or more sterilization units 114 to apply one or moresterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1402, operation 1404,operation 1406, operation 1408 and/or operation 1410.

At operation 1402, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions to avoid applying one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. Theone or more signals 112 can include numerous types of information. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more models of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions tocomply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more locations of one or more shadow areas present withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with prioritizing one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more humans that are present or absent within one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions toavoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identifiedto one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin one or more areas 102.

At operation 1404, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps of one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps of oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with the dimensions ofone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morepositions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withthe dimensions of one or more areas 102 and one or more positions of oneor more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps of oneor more areas 102. The one or more signals 112 can include numeroustypes of information. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsto comply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more locations of one or more shadow areas present withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where the one or more sterilization units 114 are to apply one or moresterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102where the one or more sterilization units 110 are not to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsed since oneor more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one ormore areas 102.

At operation 1406, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more models of one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more models ofone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with the dimensionsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or morepositions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withthe dimensions of one or more areas 102 and one or more positions of oneor more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsto comply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more locations of one or more shadow areas present withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions indicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102 toapply one or more sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions indicating one or more portions of one ormore areas 102 not to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more instructions to apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more timeintervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108were previously applied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1408, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions tocomply with one or more sterilization protocols assigned to one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsto comply with one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization protocols may be assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify theimmediacy, latency, intensity and time-integrated intensity ofsterilizing radiation that is to be applied within one or more areas 102as a function of either relative or absolute location within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, a sterilization protocol mayspecify one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that are to beapplied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, a sterilizationprotocol may specify one or more types of sterilization agents 108 thatare not to be applied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, asterilization protocol may specify the frequency with which one or moresterilization agents 108 are to be applied to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, a sterilization protocol may specify the intensityand/or concentration that one or more types of sterilization agents 108are to be applied to one or more areas 102. Numerous sterilizationprotocols can be assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,such protocols can be used to specify the intensity with which one ormore areas 102 are sterilized to account for high patient-hazard and/orhigh infectivity likelihood areas to ensure that such areas 102 receiverigorous and/or frequent sterilization treatment. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with how much time has passed since one or more areas 102were last sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with determining ifone or more areas 102 are in compliance with one or more protocols thatcall for sterilization of the one or more areas 102 at given timeintervals.

At operation 1410, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more sterilizationstatuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, the sterilization status of one or more areas102 can be relative to one or more sterilization levels assigned to theone or more areas 102. For example, some areas 102 may be assigned avery high sterilization level where very high levels of sterility aredesired. Examples of areas 102 where a very high level of sterility maybe desired include, but are not limited to, hospital operating rooms,pharmaceutical packaging facilities, food packaging facilities, nudemouse facilities, hospital wards, and the like. In other examples, areas102 where the levels of sterility may not need to be as high can beassigned a lower sterilization level. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization levels that are assigned to one or more areas 102 mayinclude parameters for time of sterilization, frequency ofsterilization, type of sterilization agent 108 to be applied, intensityof sterilization, use of multiple sterilization agents 108, risk-levelassigned to one or more areas 102, types of contamination occurringwithin one or more areas 102, disease-state of one or more patientswithin one or more areas 102, and the like. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more sterilization statuses of one or more areas 102 whichindicate if the one or more areas 102 need to be sterilized or whetherthe one or more areas 102 satisfy the desired sterilization level. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with determining when one or more areas 102that are currently sterile should be sterilized again. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions indicating when tosterilize one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withdetermining if one or more sterilization levels assigned to one or moreareas 102 have changed and whether the one or more areas 102 satisfy theone or more newly assigned sterilization levels.

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1502, operation 1504,operation 1506, operation 1508 and/or operation 1510.

At operation 1502, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more readings obtainedfrom one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more times when one or more areas 102were sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with how often one ormore areas 102 are sterilized. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withthe intensity with which one or more areas 102 are sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with whether or not one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that havebeen applied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that have beenapplied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that have been applied to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more types ofsterilization agents 108 that have been applied to one or more objects104 and/or one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1504, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more locations of one ormore shadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more locations of one or more shadowareas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, shadowareas may occur when radiation is blocked from reaching one or moreshadow areas by one or more objects 104 positioned between one or moresterilization units 114 that emit radiation and the one or more shadowareas. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with assigning non-sterile status toone or more shadow areas. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with instructingthe one or more sterilization units 114 to sterilize one or more shadowareas.

At operation 1506, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moresurvey units 110 that are stationary. The one or more signals 112 caninclude numerous types of information. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can includeone or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps of oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more modelsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that are associated with oneor more instructions to comply with one or more sterilization protocols.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sterilization statusesassigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more locations of one or more shadowareas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith prioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more humans that are present or absent within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsindicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions indicating one or more portions of one or moreareas 102 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1508, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110 that are mobile. The one or more signals 112 can includenumerous types of information. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can includeone or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 that can include one or moreinstructions to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 that caninclude one or more instructions to avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more maps of oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more modelsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 that are associated with oneor more instructions to comply with one or more sterilization protocols.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sterilization statusesassigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more locations of one or more shadowareas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith prioritizing one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more humans that are present or absent within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructionsindicating one or more portions of one or more areas 102 to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more instructions indicating one or more portions of one or moreareas 102 to apply one or more sterilization agents 108. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions to apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receiveone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1510, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals associated with prioritizing one or more areas 102for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with prioritizing one ormore areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withthe need for sterilization of the one or more areas 102. For example, anoperating room may be sterilized before other areas 102 due to theexistence of an emergency surgery that is to be done within theoperating room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated the presence of a highlyinfectious agent within one or more areas 102. For example, anexamination room in a hospital may be sterilized before other areas 102due to the presence of a patient who is infected with smallpox withinthe examination room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with conformancewith a sterilization protocol.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1602, operation 1604,operation 1606, operation 1608 and/or operation 1610.

At operation 1602, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with prioritizing one or moresurfaces within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith the need for sterilization of one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102. For example, one or more surfaces 106 within anoperating room may be sterilized before other areas 102 due to theexistence of an emergency surgery that is to be done within theoperating room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with the presence of a highlyinfectious agent within or on one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. For example, one or more surfaces 106 within anexamination room in a hospital may be sterilized before other areas 102due to the presence of a patient who is infected with smallpox withinthe examination room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with conformancewith a sterilization protocol.

At operation 1604, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with prioritizing one or more objects104 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with prioritizing one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withthe need for sterilization of one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. For example, one or more objects 104, such as surgicalinstruments, may be sterilized substantially immediately due to theexistence of an emergency surgery that is to be done with the surgicalinstruments. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with the presence of a highlyinfectious agent on one or more objects 104. For example, one or moreobjects 104 within a hospital may be sterilized before other objects 104due to use of the objects 104 to treat a patient who is infected withsmallpox. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with conformance with asterilization protocol.

At operation 1606, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more humans that arepresent or absent within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more humans that are present or absent within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 receive one or more signals 112 associated with an amount ofradiation, such as ultraviolet light, to which one or more humans havebeen exposed. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114receive one or more signals 112 associated with an amount of radiation,such as ultraviolet light, to which one or more humans have been exposedthrough reflection of the radiation onto the one or more humans.Examples of such humans include, but are not limited to, hospitalpatients, dental patients, nurses, physicians, pharmaceutical workers,food workers, transportation workers, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112associated with an amount of light that is incident on one or moresurfaces 106 that occur on one or more humans. Examples of such surfacesinclude, but are not limited to, open wounds, eyes, skin, and the like.

At operation 1608, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with a predicted activity of one ormore sterilization agents 108 applied within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one ormore signals 112 associated with a predicted activity of one or moresterilization agents 108 applied within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110 that canpredict the activity of one or more sterilization agents 108 that areapplied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresurvey units 110 can utilize the identity, concentration, time ofapplication, and/or substantially any combination thereof of one or moresterilization agents 108 to be applied to one or more areas 102 topredict the activity of the one or more sterilization agents 108 on oneor more types of contamination that may or may not be present within theone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the identity, concentration,time of application, and/or substantially any combination thereof, ofone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 may bedetermined by one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, the oneor more sterilizing agents 108 were previously applied within the one ormore areas 102 by one or more sterilization units 114.

At operation 1610, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 receive one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate that the one or more areas 102 are in compliancewith one or more sterilization protocols assigned to the one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate that the one or more areas 102 are not incompliance with one or more sterilization protocols assigned to the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112associated with one or more time intervals that have elapsed since oneor more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one ormore areas 102 can indicate that one or more sterilization agents 108should be applied to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, theone or more signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102 can indicate that one or moresterilization agents 108 should not be applied to the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associated withone or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within one or moreareas 102 can indicate when one or more sterilization agents 108 shouldbe applied to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more time intervals that haveelapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102 can indicate what type or types ofsterilization agents 108 should be applied to the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, the one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore time intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilizationagents 108 were previously applied within one or more areas 102 canindicate what type or types of sterilization agents 108 should not beapplied to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the one ormore sterilizing agents 108 were previously applied within the one ormore areas 102 by one or more sterilization units 114.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1702, operation 1704,operation 1706 and/or operation 1708.

At operation 1702, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions thatindicate where to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 can receive one or more signals 112 associated with one or moreinstructions that indicate where to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can receive one or more signals 112associated with one or more instructions that indicate one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization agents108 are to be applied. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can receive one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore instructions indicating that one or more sterilization agents 108may be applied to one or more portions of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions indicating that afirst type of sterilization agent 108 can be applied to one or morefirst portions of one or more areas 102 and a second type ofsterilization agent 108 can be applied to one or more second portions ofone or more areas 102. Accordingly, different types of sterilizationagents 108 may be applied to different portions of one or more areas102.

At operation 1704, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more instructions thatindicate where not to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can receive one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore instructions that indicate where not to apply one or moresterilization agents 108 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more instructions indicating one ormore portions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilizationagents 108 should not be applied. For example, in some embodiments, oneor more sterilization agents 108 should not to be applied to one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 in which laboratory specimens arecultured. Examples of such areas may be found in hospital laboratories,research laboratories, tissue culture laboratories, and the like. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that would damageone or more portions of one or more areas 102 should not be applied tothe one or more portions of the one or more areas 102.

At operation 1706, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with identifying one or moresterilization agents 108 to apply to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can receive one or moresignals 112 associated with identifying one or more sterilization agents108 to apply to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more instructions to apply one or more sterilization agents108 that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more areas 102 may include one or more types of contaminants thatare preferably treated with one or more types of sterilization agents108 as compared to other types of sterilization agents 108. Accordingly,in some embodiments, one or more types of sterilization agents 108 thatare identified are selected for application within one or more areas 102based on the identity of one or more contaminants for which the one ormore sterilization agents 108 are to be used. In some embodiments, oneor more types of sterilization agents 108 that are identified areselected for application within one or more areas 102 based oncharacteristics of the one or more areas 102, characteristics of one ormore objects 104 within the one or more areas 102, characteristics ofone or more surfaces 106 within the one or more areas 102, and the like.For example, in some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114can receive more signals 112 associated with one or more sterilizationagents 108 that will not harm one or more areas 102. For example, one ormore sterilization agents 108 may be selected that will not dissolve oneor more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 to which one or moresterilization agents 108 are to be applied. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 can receive more signals 112 associatedwith one or more sterilization agents 108 which may have greatereffectiveness in sterilizing one or more areas 102. For example, asterilization agent 108 that is a gas, such as ethylene oxide, may beapplied to one or more areas 102 that are porous.

At operation 1708, the receiving operation 1210 may include receivingone or more signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 120.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can receive oneor more signals 112 associated with one or more recording units 120. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can receive one ormore signals 112 associated with one or more sterilization protocolsassigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can receive one or more signals 112 associatedwith one or more times when one or more areas 102 were, and/or are tobe, sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114can receive one or more signals 112 associated with the identity of oneor more sterilization agents 108 that were, and/or are to be, applied toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 can receive one or more signals 112 associated with theintensity with which one or more areas 102 were, and/or are to be,sterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 canreceive one or more signals 112 associated with the frequency with whichone or more areas 102 were, and/or are to be, sterilized.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments where theapplying operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1802, operation 1804,operation 1806, operation 1808 and/or operation 1810.

At operation 1802, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one or more maps of theone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 according to one or more models of one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliancewith one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more areas 102 according to one or more sterilizationstatuses assigned to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to oneor more instructions associated with one or more survey units 110 thatare stationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102according to one or more instructions associated with one or more surveyunits 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102 according to one or more priorities assigned tothe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102 according to the presence or absence of one ormore humans within the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 that are identified to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one ormore time intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilizationagents 108 were previously applied within the one or more areas 102.

At operation 1804, the applying operation 1220 may include avoidingapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 according to one or more maps of the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102according to one or more models of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 incompliance with one or more sterilization protocols. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 avoid application ofone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 accordingto one or more sterilization statuses assigned to the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 according to one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one ormore instructions associated with one or more survey units 110 that arestationary. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 according to one or more instructions associated with one ormore survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one ormore priorities assigned to the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102according to the presence or absence of one or more humans within theone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108that are identified to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to one ormore time intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilizationagents 108 were previously applied within the one or more areas 102.

At operation 1806, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 accordingto one or more maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102according to one or more models of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102 according to one or more sterilization statuses assignedto the one or more surfaces 106. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according toone or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102according to one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according toone or more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 according to one or more priorities assigned to the one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102according to whether one or more humans are present or absent within theone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 that areidentified to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102 according to one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied toone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1808, the applying operation 1220 may include avoidingapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according to one or more mapsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according toone or more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according to one or moresterilization statuses assigned to the one or more surfaces 106. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 according to one or more readings obtainedfrom one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 according to one ormore priorities assigned to the one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according to whether oneor more humans are present or absent within the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identifiedto one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106within one or more areas 102 according to one or more time intervalsthat have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 werepreviously applied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas102.

At operation 1810, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according toone or more maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according toone or more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 incompliance with one or more sterilization protocols. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more sterilization statuses assigned tothe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to oneor more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102according to one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to oneor more signals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110 thatare mobile. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102 according to one or more prioritiesassociated with the one or more objects 104. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according towhether one or more humans that are present or absent within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identified toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more time intervals that have elapsedsince one or more sterilization agents 108 were previously appliedwithin the one or more areas 102.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where theapplying operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1902, operation 1904,operation 1906, operation 1908 and/or operation 1910.

At operation 1902, the applying operation 1220 may include avoidingapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to one or more mapsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to oneor more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to one or moresterilization statuses assigned to the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104within one or more areas 102 according to one or more readings obtainedfrom one or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110 that are stationary. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110 that are mobile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more priorities associated with the one ormore objects 104. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to oneor more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to whetherone or more humans that are present or absent within the one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 that areidentified to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to one or more timeintervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108were previously applied within the one or more areas 102.

At operation 1904, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more maps of the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordance with one or more mapsof the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102 according to one or more dimensions of the oneor more areas 102 as substantially indicated by one or more maps. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 according to oneor more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects104 within the one or more areas 102 as substantially indicated by oneor more maps. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102according to one or more dimensions of the one or more areas 102 and oneor more positions of one or more surfaces 106 and/or one or more objects104 within the one or more areas 102 as substantially indicated by oneor more maps. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may avoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore areas 102 according to one or more maps of the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 according to one or more maps of the one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayavoid application of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according to one or more mapsof the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to oneor more maps of the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102 according to one or more maps of the one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more shadow areas within one ormore areas 102 according to one or more maps of the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 accordingone or more priorities of the one or more areas 102 as indicated on oneor more maps of the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 accordingone or more priorities of the one or more surfaces 106 as indicated onone or more maps. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 according one or more maps. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more portions of oneor more areas 102 according one or more maps.

At operation 1906, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more models of the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordance with oneor more models of the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatprovide one or more dimensions of the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more models of one ormore areas 102 that provide one or more positions of one or moresurfaces 106 and/or one or more objects 104 within the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102 that provide the dimensions of the oneor more areas 102 and one or more positions of one or more surfaces 106and/or one or more objects 104 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more models of one ormore areas 102 that indicate where to apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 within the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatindicate where not to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 withinthe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatindicate one or more surfaces 106 on which to apply one or moresterilization agents 108 within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more models of one ormore areas 102 that indicate one or more surfaces 106 on which not toapply one or more sterilization agents 108 within the one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or moremodels of one or more areas 102 that indicate one or more objects 104 onwhich to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 within the one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one ormore models of one or more areas 102 that indicate one or more objects104 on which not to apply one or more sterilization agents 108 withinthe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatinclude instructions to comply with one or more sterilization protocols.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more modelsof one or more areas 102 that include one or more sterilization statusesassigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatinclude one or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more modelsof one or more areas 102 that indicate one or more locations of one ormore shadow areas present within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more models of one ormore areas 102 that prioritize one or more areas 102 for sterilization.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more modelsof one or more areas 102 that prioritize one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 for sterilization. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatinclude the presence of absence of one or more humans within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one ormore models of one or more areas 102 that indicate one or more portionsof one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization agents 108should be applied. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 in accordance withone or more models of one or more areas 102 that indicate one or moreportions of one or more areas 102 where one or more sterilization agents108 should not be applied. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108in accordance with one or more models of one or more areas 102 thatidentify one or more sterilization agents 108 that should be applied toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 in accordancewith one or more models of one or more areas 102 that indicate one ormore time intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilizationagents 108 were previously applied within one or more areas 102.

At operation 1908, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliancewith one or more sterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more areas 102 in compliance with one or moresterilization protocols. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols thatspecify the immediacy, latency, intensity and time-integrated intensityof sterilizing radiation that is to be applied within one or more areas102 as a function of either relative or absolute location within the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols that specifyone or more types of sterilization agents 108 that are to be applied toone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocols thatspecify one or more types of sterilization agents 108 that are not to beapplied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102 in compliance with one or more sterilizationprotocols that specify the frequency with which one or moresterilization agents 108 are to be applied to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliancewith one or more sterilization protocols that specify the intensityand/or concentration that one or more types of sterilization agents 108that are to be applied to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliance with one or moresterilization protocols that specify the intensity with which one ormore areas 102 are sterilized to account for high patient-hazard and/orhigh infectivity likelihood areas to ensure that such areas 102 receiverigorous and/or frequent sterilization treatment. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliance with one or moresterilization protocols that are associated with how much time haspassed since one or more areas 102 were last sterilized. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in compliance with oneor more sterilization protocols that call for sterilization of the oneor more areas 102 at given time intervals.

At operation 1910, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more sterilization statuses assigned to the one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 inaccordance with one or more sterilization statuses assigned to the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 in accordance with one or more sterilization statuses assigned tothe one or more areas 102 that can be relative to one or moresterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordance with oneor more sterilization statuses that may include parameters for time ofsterilization, frequency of sterilization, type of sterilization agent108 to be applied, intensity of sterilization, use of multiplesterilization agents 108, risk-level assigned to one or more areas 102,types of contamination occurring within one or more areas 102, and/ordisease-state of one or more patients within the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more sterilization statuses which indicate if the one ormore areas 102 need to be sterilized or whether the one or more areas102 satisfy the desired sterilization level.

FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments where theapplying operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2002, operation 2004,operation 2006, operation 2008 and/or operation 2010.

At operation 2002, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118that indicate one or more times when the one or more areas 102 weresterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 inaccordance with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate how often one or more areas 102 are sterilized.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in accordancewith one or more readings obtained from one or more sensor units 118that indicate the intensity with which one or more areas 102 aresterilized. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 inaccordance with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate whether or not one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102 have been sterilized. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more areas 102 in accordance with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118 that indicate one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that have been applied within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102in accordance with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate one or more types of sterilization agents 108that have been applied to one or more surfaces 106 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 inaccordance with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate one or more types of sterilization agents 108that have been applied to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 inaccordance with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits 118 that indicate one or more types of sterilization agents 108that have been applied to one or more objects 104 and/or one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more areas 102 in accordance with one or more readingsobtained from one or more sensor units 118 that indicate one or moreshadow areas present within one or more areas 102.

At operation 2004, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more shadow areas presentwithin the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more shadow areas present within one or more areas 102.

At operation 2006, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 from one ormore sterilization units 114 that are stationary. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 that are stationary may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applicationof one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may avoid applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moresurfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 according to one ormore maps of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108according to one or more models of one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 according to one or more sterilizationprotocols assigned to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 according to one or more sterilization statuses assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 according to one or morereadings obtained from one or more sensor units 118. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 according to one or more locations of one ormore shadow areas present within one or more areas 102.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 according to one or more prioritiesassigned to one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 according to one or more priorities assigned toone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 according to whether one or more humansthat are present or absent within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more portions of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 accordingto one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within the one or moreareas 102.

At operation 2008, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 from one ormore sterilization units 114 that are mobile. In some embodiments, oneor more sterilization units 114 that are mobile may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoid applyingone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 withinone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreobjects 104 within one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may avoid applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 according to one or more mapsof one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 according toone or more models of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 according to one or more sterilization protocols assigned to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 according to one or moresterilization statuses assigned to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 according to one or more readings obtained fromone or more sensor units 118. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108according to one or more locations of one or more shadow areas presentwithin one or more areas 102.

In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 according to one or more prioritiesassigned to one or more areas 102 for sterilization. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 according to one or more priorities assigned toone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 for sterilization.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply oneor more sterilization agents 108 according to whether one or more humansthat are present or absent within one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more portions of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may applyone or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 accordingto one or more time intervals that have elapsed since one or moresterilization agents 108 were previously applied within the one or moreareas 102.

At operation 2010, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more areas 102 according to the need for sterilization of the oneor more areas 102. For example, an operating room may be sterilizedbefore other areas 102 due to the existence of an emergency surgery thatis to be done within the operating room. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more areas 102 according to the presence of a highlyinfectious agent within one or more areas 102. For example, anexamination room in a hospital may be sterilized before other areas 102due to the presence of a patient who is infected with smallpox withinthe examination room. In some embodiments, one or more sterilizationunits 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 in conformance with a sterilization protocol.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where theapplying operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2102, operation 2104,operation 2106, operation 2108 and/or operation 2110.

At operation 2102, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 within oneor more areas 102 in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces106 within one or more areas 102 according to the need for sterilizationof the one or more surfaces 106. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more surfaces 106 within one or more areas 102 according to thepresence of a highly infectious agent on the one or more surfaces 106.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 apply one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more surfaces 106 in conformancewith a sterilization protocol.

At operation 2104, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 within oneor more areas 102 in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one ormore sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents108 to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more objects104 within one or more areas 102 according to the need for sterilizationof the one or more objects 104. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 apply one or more sterilization agents 108 toone or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 according to thepresence of a highly infectious agent on the one or more objects 104. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more objects 104 in conformance witha sterilization protocol.

At operation 2106, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 within one or more areas 102 to one ormore humans present within the one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more humans present within one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization agents108 may be applied to one or more humans before they enter into one ormore areas 102 that are sterile. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization agents 108 may be applied to one or more humans beforethey begin a sterile procedure. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108to one or more humans who are contaminated with, or who have beenexposed to, an infectious agent.

At operation 2108, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 if one or morehumans are absent from the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 to one or more areas 102 if one or more humans are absentfrom the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are harmful to humans. Accordingly, human exposure to harmfulsterilization agents 108 can be reduced or eliminated.

At operation 2110, the applying operation 1220 may include avoidingapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 if one or more humans are present within the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may avoidapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102 if one or more humans are present within the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 that are in theprocess of applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreareas 102 may stop the application upon entry of one or more humans intothe one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may abandon or delay applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 if one or more humansare present within the one or more areas 102.

FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 22 illustrates example embodiments where theapplying operation 1220 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2202, operation 2204,operation 2206, operation 2208, operation 2210 and/or operation 2212.

At operation 2202, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more portions of one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more portions ofone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, a first type ofsterilization agent 108 is applied to one or more first portions of oneor more areas 102 and a second type of sterilization agent 108 isapplied to one or more second portions of one or more areas 102.Accordingly, different types of sterilization agents 108 may be appliedto different portions of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,activities may be conducted within one or more portions of one or moreareas 102 that involve highly infective agents and/or that produce highlevels of contamination within the one or more portions of the one ormore areas 102. Accordingly, one or more sterilization agents 108 may beapplied to those one or more portions of one or more areas 102 morefrequently than to other portions of the one or more areas which are notexposed to high infectivity agents or high levels of contamination. Forexample, one or more sterilization agents 108 may be applied to one ormore benches within a laboratory more frequently than to one or moredesks within the laboratory 102.

At operation 2204, the applying operation 1220 may include avoidingapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or moreportions of one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may avoid application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more portions of one or more areas102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 are notapplied to one or more portions of one or more areas 102. For example,in some embodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 are not beapplied to one or more portions of one or more areas 102 in whichlaboratory specimens are cultured. Examples of such areas may be foundin hospital laboratories, research laboratories, tissue culturelaboratories, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more types ofsterilization agents 108 are not be applied to one more first portionsof one or more areas 102 but other types of sterilization agents 108 canbe applied to the one or more first portions of the one or more areas102. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sterilization agents108 that would damage one or more portions of one or more areas 102 arenot applied to the one or more portions of the one or more areas 102.

At operation 2206, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more timeintervals that have elapsed since a previous application of the one ormore sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 in accordance with one or more time intervalsthat have elapsed since a previous application of the one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102. In some embodiments,one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilizationagents 108 in compliance with one or more sterilization protocolsassigned to the one or more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or moretime intervals that have elapsed since one or more sterilization agents108 were previously applied within one or more areas 102 can indicatewhen one or more sterilization agents 108 should be applied to the oneor more areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more time intervals thathave elapsed since one or more sterilization agents 108 were previouslyapplied within one or more areas 102 can indicate what type or types ofsterilization agents 108 should be applied to the one or more areas 102.In some embodiments, one or more time intervals that have elapsed sinceone or more sterilization agents 108 were previously applied within oneor more areas 102 can indicate what type or types of sterilizationagents 108 should not be applied to the one or more areas 102.

At operation 2208, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one or moreareas 102. In some embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 mayapply one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identified to one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, one or more areas 102 may includeone or more types of contaminants that are preferably treated with oneor more types of sterilization agents 108 as compared to other types ofsterilization agents 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or moretypes of sterilization agents 108 that are identified are selected forapplication within one or more areas 102 based on the identity of one ormore contaminants for which the one or more sterilization agents 108 areto be used. In some embodiments, one or more types of sterilizationagents 108 that are identified are selected for application within oneor more areas 102 based on the characteristics of the one or more areas102, the characteristics of one or more objects 104 within the one ormore areas 102, the characteristics of one or more surfaces 106 withinthe one or more areas 102, and the like. For example, in someembodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identifiedare selected which will not be harmful to one or more areas 102. Forexample, one or more sterilization agents 108 will be selected that willnot dissolve one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 102 towhich one or more sterilization agents 108 are to be applied. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization agents 108 that are identifiedare selected which will have greater effectiveness in sterilizing one ormore areas 102. For example, a sterilization agent 108 that is a gas,such as ethylene oxide, may be applied to one or more areas 102 that areporous.

At operation 2210, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 that are selected from the groupconsisting of gamma radiation, sonic radiation, chemicals, infraredradiation, steam, and gases. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 may apply one or more sterilization agents 108that are selected from the group consisting of gamma radiation, sonicradiation, chemicals, infrared radiation, steam, and gases. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can apply one or moresterilization agents 108 that are gamma radiation, sonic radiation,chemicals, infrared radiation, steam, gases, and substantially anycombination thereof.

At operation 2212, the applying operation 1220 may include applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 that include ultraviolet light. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 may apply one or moresterilization agents 108 that include ultraviolet light. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emit sterilizingradiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emit numeroustypes and/or combinations of sterilizing radiation, such as ultravioletlight and/or gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light having wavelengthsbetween 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers and/or substantially anycombination of wavelengths between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. Inother embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emitultraviolet light having wavelengths between 180 nanometers and 300nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengths between180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light having wavelengthsbetween 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers and/or substantially anycombination of wavelengths between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. Insome embodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can emitultraviolet light having wavelengths between 250 nanometers and 280nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengths between250 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In other embodiments, one or moresterilization units 114 can emit ultraviolet light having wavelengthsthat are centered, but asymmetric, and about 265 nanometers and/orsubstantially any combination of wavelengths of such light. In someembodiments, one or more sterilization units 114 can exclude theemission of one or more wavelengths of radiation.

FIG. 23 illustrates an operational flow 2300 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 23 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the sterilizationmethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examplesand contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations maybe executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/ormodified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2300 includes an operation2310 involving circuitry for surveying one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, the circuitry for surveying one or more areas 102 cansurvey one area 102. In some embodiments, the circuitry for surveyingone or more areas 102 can survey one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, the circuitry for surveying one or more areas 102 cansurvey one portion of one area 102. In some embodiments, the circuitryfor surveying one or more areas 102 can survey one or more portions ofone or more areas 102. In some embodiments, the circuitry for surveyingone or more areas 102 can map one or more areas 102. In someembodiments, the circuitry for surveying one or more areas 102 can modelone or more areas 102.

The operational flow 2300 also includes an operation 2320 involvingcircuitry for transmitting one or more signals to one or moresterilization units responsive to the circuitry for surveying one ormore areas 102. In some embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting cantransmit one or more signals 112 to one or more sterilization units 114.For example, in some embodiments, the circuitry for transmitting cantransmit one signal 112 to one sterilization unit 114. In someembodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit more than onesignal 112 to one sterilization unit 114. In other embodiments, thecircuitry for transmitting can transmit one signal 112 to more than onesterilization unit 114.

FIG. 24 illustrates an operational flow 2400 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 24 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the sterilizationmethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examplesand contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations maybe executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/ormodified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various operations arepresented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood thatthe various operations may be performed in other orders than those whichare illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2400 includes an operation2410 involving circuitry for receiving one or more signals associatedwith one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, the circuitryfor receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110 can receive one signal 112 from one survey unit 110. In someembodiments, the circuitry for receiving one or more signals 112associated with one or more survey units 110 can receive one or moresignals 112 from one survey unit 110. In some embodiments, the circuitryfor receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one or more surveyunits 110 can receive one or more signals 112 from one or more surveyunits 110.

The operational flow 2400 also includes an operation 2420 involvingcircuitry for applying one or more sterilization agents to one or moreareas in response to the circuitry for receiving one or more signalsassociated with one or more survey units 110. In some embodiments, thecircuitry for applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore areas 102 in response to the circuitry for receiving one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110 can directapplication of one or more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas102. In some embodiments, the circuitry for applying one or moresterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in response to thecircuitry for receiving one or more signals 112 associated with one ormore survey units 110 can direct application of one sterilization agent108 to one area 102. In some embodiments, the circuitry for applying oneor more sterilization agents 108 to one or more areas 102 in response tothe circuitry for receiving one or more signals 112 associated with oneor more survey units 110 can direct application of one or moresterilization agents 108 to one area 102. In some embodiments, thecircuitry for applying one or more sterilization agents 108 to one ormore areas 102 in response to the circuitry for receiving one or moresignals 112 associated with one or more survey units 110 can directapplication of one sterilization agent 108 to one or more areas 102.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by theappended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magneticallyactuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, asused herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., anactuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofrandom access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical orother analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatexamples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to avariety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems suchas motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, securitysystems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarilylimited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuationexcept as context may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the fashion(s)set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or businesspractices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/orsystems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems.That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/orsystems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/orprocesses and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation.Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such otherdevices and/or processes and/or systems might include as appropriate tocontext and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/orsystems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, hovercraft,helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck,locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building(e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., arefrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communicationssystem (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a voice-over IPsystem, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider(ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), or(g) a wired/wireless services entity such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel,etc.), etc.

Although user 122 is shown/described herein as a single illustratedfigure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that user 122 may berepresentative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computationalentity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user maybe assisted by one or more robotic agents). In addition, user 122, asset forth herein, although shown as a single entity may in fact becomposed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/orother entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein areincorporated herein by reference. The foregoing specification has beendescribed in relation to certain embodiments thereof, and many detailshave been set forth for purposes of illustration, however, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptibleto additional embodiments and that certain of the details describedherein may be varied considerably without departing from the basicprinciples of the invention.

1.-95. (canceled)
 96. A sterilization system comprising: means forsurveying one or more areas; and means for transmitting one or moresignals to one or more sterilization units responsive to the means forsurveying one or more areas.
 97. A sterilization system comprising:means for receiving one or more signals from one or more survey units;and means for applying one or more sterilization agents to one or moreareas responsive to the means for receiving one or more signals from oneor more survey units.
 98. The system of claim 96, wherein the means forsurveying one or more areas comprises: means for determining if the oneor more areas should be sterilized.
 99. The system of claim 96, whereinthe means for surveying one or more areas comprises: means fordetermining one or more objects within the one or more areas that shouldbe sterilized.
 100. The system of claim 96, wherein the means forsurveying one or more areas comprises: means for mapping the one or moreareas.
 101. The system of claim 96, wherein the means for surveying oneor more areas comprises: means for modeling the one or more areas. 102.The system of claim 96, wherein the means for surveying one or moreareas comprises: means for obtaining one or more readings from one ormore sensor units.
 103. The system of claim 96, wherein the means forsurveying one or more areas comprises: means for surveying the one ormore areas with one or more survey units that are stationary.
 104. Thesystem of claim 96, wherein the means for surveying one or more areascomprises: means for determining if one or more humans are present orabsent within the one or more areas.
 105. The system of claim 96,wherein the means for transmitting one or more signals to one or moresterilization units responsive to the means for surveying one or moreareas comprises: means for transmitting the one or more signalsassociated with one or more instructions for the one or moresterilization units to apply one or more sterilization agents to the oneor more areas.
 106. The system of claim 96, wherein the means fortransmitting one or more signals to one or more sterilization unitsresponsive to the means for surveying one or more areas comprises: meansfor transmitting the one or more signals associated with one or moremaps of the one or more areas.
 107. The system of claim 96, wherein themeans for transmitting one or more signals to one or more sterilizationunits responsive to the means for surveying one or more areas comprises:means for transmitting the one or more signals associated with one ormore models of the one or more areas.
 108. The system of claim 96,wherein the means for transmitting one or more signals to one or moresterilization units responsive to the means for surveying one or moreareas comprises: means for transmitting the one or more signalsassociated with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits.
 109. The system of claim 96, wherein the means for transmittingone or more signals to one or more sterilization units responsive to themeans for surveying one or more areas comprises: means for transmittingthe one or more signals to the one or more sterilization units from oneor more survey units that are stationary.
 110. The system of claim 96,wherein the means for transmitting one or more signals to one or moresterilization units responsive to the means for surveying one or moreareas comprises: means for transmitting the one or more signalsassociated with one or more humans that are present or absent within theone or more areas.
 111. The system of claim 96, wherein the means fortransmitting one or more signals to one or more sterilization unitsresponsive to the means for surveying one or more areas comprises: meansfor transmitting the one or more signals associated with one or moreinstructions for one or more recording units.
 112. The system of claim97, wherein the means for receiving one or more signals from one or moresurvey units comprises: means for receiving the one or more signalsassociated with one or more instructions to apply the one or moresterilization agents to the one or more areas.
 113. The system of claim97, wherein the means for receiving one or more signals from one or moresurvey units comprises: means for receiving the one or more signalsassociated with one or more instructions to apply the one or moresterilization agents to one or more objects within the one or moreareas.
 114. The system of claim 97, wherein the means for receiving oneor more signals from one or more survey units comprises: means forreceiving the one or more signals associated with one or more maps ofthe one or more areas.
 115. The system of claim 97, wherein the meansfor receiving one or more signals from one or more survey unitscomprises: means for receiving the one or more signals associated withone or more models of the one or more areas.
 116. The system of claim97, wherein the means for receiving one or more signals from one or moresurvey units comprises: means for receiving the one or more signalsassociated with one or more readings obtained from one or more sensorunits.
 117. The system of claim 97, wherein the means for receiving oneor more signals from one or more survey units comprises: means forreceiving the one or more signals associated with the one or more surveyunits that are stationary.
 118. The system of claim 97, wherein themeans for receiving one or more signals from one or more survey unitscomprises: means for receiving the one or more signals associated withone or more humans that are present or absent within the one or moreareas.
 119. The system of claim 97, wherein the means for receiving oneor more signals from one or more survey units comprises: means forreceiving the one or more signals associated with one or moreinstructions that indicate where to apply the one or more sterilizationagents within the one or more areas.
 120. The system of claim 97,wherein the means for receiving one or more signals from one or moresurvey units comprises: means for receiving the one or more signalsassociated with one or more recording units.
 121. The system of claim97, wherein the means for applying one or more sterilization agents toone or more areas responsive to the means for receiving one or moresignals from one or more survey units comprises: means for applying theone or more sterilization agents to the one or more areas.
 122. Thesystem of claim 97, wherein the means for applying one or moresterilization agents to one or more areas responsive to the means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more survey units comprises:means for applying the one or more sterilization agents to the one ormore areas in accordance with one or more maps of the one or more areas.123. The system of claim 97, wherein the means for applying one or moresterilization agents to one or more areas responsive to the means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more survey units comprises:means for applying the one or more sterilization agents to the one ormore areas in accordance with one or more models of the one or moreareas.
 124. The system of claim 97, wherein the means for applying oneor more sterilization agents to one or more areas responsive to themeans for receiving one or more signals from one or more survey unitscomprises: means for applying the one or more sterilization agents tothe one or more areas in accordance with one or more readings obtainedfrom one or more sensor units.
 125. The system of claim 97, wherein themeans for applying one or more sterilization agents to one or more areasresponsive to the means for receiving one or more signals from one ormore survey units comprises: means for applying the one or moresterilization agents to the one or more areas from one or moresterilization units that are stationary.
 126. The system of claim 97,wherein the means for applying one or more sterilization agents to oneor more areas responsive to the means for receiving one or more signalsfrom one or more survey units comprises: means for avoiding applicationof the one or more sterilization agents to the one or more areas if oneor more humans are present within the one or more areas.
 127. Asterilization system comprising: means for surveying one or more areas;and means for applying one or more sterilization agents to the one ormore areas responsive to the means for surveying one or more areas. 128.A sterilization system comprising: means for receiving one or moresignals associated with one or more maps of one or more portions of oneor more rooms; means for applying one or more sterilization agents tothe one or more portions of the one or more rooms and avoidingapplication of the one or more sterilization agents to the one or moreportions of the one or more rooms if one or more humans are presentwithin the one or more portions of the one or more rooms in response tothe means for receiving one or more signals.